ResultsOverall, 35% of participants were obese, with 21% class I (BMI 30-34.9kg/m2), 9% class II (BMI 35-39.9kg/m2) and 5% class III (BMI ≥ 40kg/m2). The number of comorbidities increased with increasing obesity class (p<0.001). Increasing obesity class was independently associated with worse respiratory-specific and general quality of life (QOL; St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score and Short Form-36 score v2, respectively), reduced 6 minute walk distance (6MWD), increased dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council score of ≥2) and greater odds of a severe acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). The associations between obesity and worse outcomes were independent of the presence of comorbidities, except in the case of SF-36 and severe exacerbations.

ConclusionsObesity is prevalent among individuals with COPD and associated with worse COPD-related outcomes, ranging from QOL and dyspnea to 6MWD and severe AECOPD. These associations were strengthened when obesity was analyzed as a dose-dependent response. Obesity in patients with COPD may contribute to a worse COPD-related course.

Return to: Obesity is Associated with Increased Morbidity in Moderate to Severe COPD

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